Innovations in Aging
Master of Science
Quick Facts
Age-Friendly
University
- Age-Friendly University Global Network, 2024
Top 1%
of all Higher-Ed
Institutions
- Center for World University Rankings, 2025
The Master of Science in Innovations in Aging prepares students to promote age inclusivity and improve quality of life across the age spectrum. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students develop the knowledge and skills to analyze, design, and lead initiatives across health care, public policy, and community systems while addressing the opportunities and challenges of an aging population. The program also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study.
The 36-unit program is designed to be completed in two years. Students build expertise through coursework focused on biological, psychological, social, cultural, ethical, and policy perspectives on aging, along with research methods and innovation. The curriculum aligns with standards established by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), preparing students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue professional certification through the National Association of Professional Gerontologists (NAPG).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Innovations in Aging may apply all 12 certificate credits toward the master's degree. Additional stackable pathways are available through the Aging Law and Policy and Indigenous Health graduate certificates, allowing students to customize their studies while completing the MS in Innovations in Aging.
The program is one of 20 Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) approved by the Arizona Board of Regents and is affiliated with the Arizona Center on Aging, which advances the quality of life for older adults through research, education, clinical care, and community engagement.
Prospective students must have at least either a bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in any discipline or graduate status (e.g., PharmD students).
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
This 36 credit program is divided between 12 credits from the Graduate Certificate, 12 credits core from the 4 courses listed below, and 12 electives selective from a list of pre-approved courses. The following are the core courses:
Through this course, you will integrate and expand gerontological perspectives on aging into a larger unifying theory. Longitudinal effects on the life course of older adults will be explored through this consolidated view to understand better the multi-faceted and complex nature of various influences on the quality of life of an aging population.
This course explores biases and ageism as social justice issues impacting older adults and the aging experience. You will learn how biases embedded in our culture impact messaging about aging, influencing our perspective on getting older. Leave with the ability to protect themselves from biased messaging better and be more open to opportunities and possibilities in the field of aging.
This course considers the history of research on aging, including its origins, pivotal findings, and accompanying misconceptions and factors about diversity and inclusion.
Investigate, plan and present an innovation targeting a real-world and relevant aging opportunity or problem of your interest. You will produce a research-informed, interdisciplinary intervention proposal that reflects current aging theory, models, and ethical considerations. Finally, you must explore and consider sources of bias, influence, and long-term implications of your proposed intervention.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Master of Science in Innovations in Aging will build core skills, including:
- Analyzing complex scenarios involving older adults
- Creative problem solving
- Deconstructing research
- Interdisciplinary quality improvement
- Interpreting the life experiences of adults
- Learning gerontological theory
- Self-evaluation
- Summarizing ethical dilemmas
- Synthesizing and presenting knowledge
- Understanding life-course perspective
- Understanding of gerontology-related research
- Understanding of health care resources for older adults
Potential Career Paths
Graduates pursue roles in leadership, program direction, policy analysis, management, innovation, and advanced practice across a wide range of sectors.
The MS provides new career options as it is designed to:
